STAND. COM. REP. NO.  345

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.B. No. 244

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 244 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to enhance the long-term viability of Hawaii's agricultural operations by making the existing process for the establishment of preferential rates under the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for potable water apply to any public utility service, including potable water, electricity, and freight transport, that is used for agricultural activities on lands within an agricultural district.

     The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a member of the Maui County Council, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and Maui County Farm Bureau supported this bill.  The Department of Agriculture supported the intent of this measure.  PUC submitted comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 244 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture,

____________________________

CLIFT TSUJI, Chair